Great news, Buffy fans … Riley Finn, one of Buffy Summers‘s old flames, is making his return to the Buffyverse in an upcoming issue of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 comic book series, which has been written by none other than famed Buffy writer Jane Espenson herself. Here is our first look at Riley‘s cover portrait for his comic book debut and some deets about the issue itself:

Acclaimed Buffy television writer Jane Espenson is back with answers to one of the surprising twists she and executive producer Joss Whedon introduced in the hit story arc “Retreat”! In the midst of the battle, Buffy’s former flame, the demon fighting soldier Riley Finn, seemingly in league with Twilight, was revealed as a double agent working for the Slayer army. Now Espenson and artist Karl Moline (Fray, Willow) uncover the secrets of Riley’s recruitment by Buffy, his infiltration of Twilight’s inner circle, and what’s become of him and his superspy wife, Sam. This essential one shot delivers thrilling spy adventure and is filled with major revelations for the story of Buffy Season Eight!

I just love everything about Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 … it just keeps getting better and better. Riley Finn is one of my all time favorite characters and I am thrilled that he is back in the mix. I fully trust Jane Espenson and am very much looking forward to getting my hands on her work in this new issue. After the jump, check out a couple more pages from this Riley issue of BtVS Season 8 …

I’m not entirely convinced that Buffy and Riley will be gettin’ into it again but, well, you never know. The Buffy comics have a much different flavor than the TV series did … and anything is possible. I’m still a few issues behind on my reading so I’ll need to catch up fast … but I am really looking forward to Riley‘s return.

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